Like a Broadway play, a show house is meant to entertain, bedazzle and inspire. The designers who transformed 2017’s DC Design House last fall pulled out all the stops—despite challenges posed by its setting in a 27,000-square-foot Potomac “chateau.”
“It was a matter of taking a vast space and creating something that felt relatable, intimate and elegant,” said designer Josh Hildreth. Like his colleagues, he approached the exercise as a “term paper,” layering the grand salon with a carefully considered mélange of furniture, art and storied finds.
It was all done to support a worthy cause: Since its inception 10 years ago, the DC Design House has raised $2 million for Children’s National Health System.
See additional photos and "before" shots in the slide shows below.
DINING ROOM by Bridget Beari Designs, Inc.
[metaslider id=35012]Despite the room’s innate grandeur, designer Susan Jamieson went for a “modern Parisian” look that was anything but stuffy. She downplayed ornate millwork by hanging metallic grass cloth (Roux Bling Bling) from her eponymous wallpaper line between panels of molding. Bridging past and present, Jamieson placed mid-century-style dining chairs in groovy blue velvet on an antique Persian rug, while her grandmother’s china played off modern art and a sculptural chandelier by Julie Neil.
A STUDY IN BLUE by Kelley Proxmire, Inc.
[metaslider id=35019]In her concept for this two-story retreat, Proxmire envisioned a fresh take on the celebrated library Albert Hadley designed for Lady Astor in the 1970s. Undeterred by the directive to retain the room’s existing dark-wood paneling, the designer brightened the space with blue accents in a Brunschwig & Fils floral sofa fabric and Stark rug. Draperies in an animal stripe by Kravet framed Palladian windows and a glass-topped coffee table by Salvations imparted a lighter touch.
THE COLLECTOR’S CABINET by Josh Hildreth Interiors
[metaslider id=35025]Inspired by Givenchy’s Chateau du Jonchet near Paris, Hildreth transformed a “heavy and overdone” grand salon into a relaxed escape, layering furniture, art, and accessories to create a sophisticated, lived-in aura. An antique Chinese screen anchored one of two seating areas, flanked by sculptural wooden floor lamps and bold, modern paintings. In one corner, an Art Deco-style bar of Hildreth’s design combined lacquered wood and a gilt-bronze inset.
LIVING ROOM by Margery Wedderburn Interiors, LLC
[metaslider id=35038]A fresh coat of white paint created a clean slate for Margery Wedderburn and Melanie Hansen, who transformed a dated and overly ornate space into a sophisticated “French Modern” salon. In one corner, a metallic Niermann Weeks screen of Wedderburn’s design, modern art, and the room’s classical mantel forged a dialog that transcended centuries and styles.
THE GALLERY by Grossmueller’s Design Consultants, Inc.
[metaslider id=35045]In the gallery, which connects rooms at the back of the home, Cindy Grossmueller McClure and Jenna Randolph David illuminated the existing barrel-vaulted architecture with LED lights installed above the door moldings. They covered the ceiling with a textural Zoffany wallpaper reminiscent of patterned plaster and detailed it with nail-head trim. Walls in Sherwin Williams Indigo Batik added appealing contrast.
LADY’S RETREAT by Marika Meyer Interiors
[metaslider id=35050]What well-traveled stylist wouldn’t delight in a chic chamber decked out with a game table, bar cart and vintage Hermès scarves? The latter, sourced by Meyer on eBay, were framed and hung in a grid, creating a colorful tableau on one wall. Draperies in cheery fabrics from Meyer’s eponymous textile collection, a dreamy wool rug from Galleria Carpets and a cozy clutch of furniture further animated the space.
LITTLE JEWEL BOX SITTING ROOM by Camille Saum Interior Design
[metaslider id=35057]The designer instilled her space with radiant color and a spirit of joie de vivre. From the custom rose-quartz wall treatment to the green, faux-lizard pouf and window panels upholstered in contrasting check and striped fabrics, this playful aerie didn’t take itself too seriously. Saum tied it all together with a Doris Leslie Blau rug sporting a colorful
geometric motif.
JEWEL BOX BAR by Case Design/Remodeling, Inc.
[metaslider id=35062]Designers Allie Mann, Elena Eskandari, Alex Hubbard and Hope Hassell gave a cramped, drab bar off the gallery a new lease on life. First, they painted the brown cabinetry in Sherwin Williams Marshmallow and Utterly Beige. Then, by removing one cabinet above the sink, they established an open feel. A marble-tile backsplash in a herringbone pattern introduced organic texture; concealed LED lights gave the new glass sink an inviting glow.
POWDER ROOM by Mary Amons Design
[metaslider id=35066]Tom Ford’s moody film Nocturnal Animals inspired the vision for this private space. The jade velvet on a slipper chair of Amons’s design evoked the dress Amy Adams wore in one of the movie’s climactic scenes. Inky, crocodile-textured Thibaut wallpaper, along with ceilings painted in Sherwin Williams Tri-Corn Black, enhanced the noir vibe. A figure drawing by DC artist Annie Carroll of Swatchroom left a powerful impression.
THE IDEALIZED FAMILY ROOM by Home on Cameron
[metaslider id=35072]Designers Todd Martz and Susan Nelson set out to deliver a cozy and casual haven for all ages despite the room’s imposing architecture. Covering the walls in bold, yellow-and-white wallpaper by China Seas did the trick. An antique rug from Lahore, India, extended the sense of whimsy to the floor. Practical, kid-friendly fabrics, such as red “pleather” on a pair of Lee Industries chairs, made this a fun-filled retreat for both the young and young-at-heart.
KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM by Samantha Friedman Interior Designs, LLC
[metaslider id=35080]Despite a mandate not to alter the existing cabinets and countertops, Friedman freshened up the kitchen in French Country style. First, she painted the peachy walls a soothing cream. Echoing a floral motif in the backsplash tile, she repeated botanical elements in artwork and the Vervain window-shade fabric. Finally, she replaced a dark, heavy chandelier with a blown-glass fixture by Tracy Glover for a clean, airy effect.
THE LOUNGE by Perceptions Interiors
[metaslider id=35085]Modern design met neoclassicism in this daring space carved out of a hallway near the back stair. Elements such as an acrylic table with an ornate base and formal draperies in fuchsia chenille defied period labels. Designers J. Allen, Michelle Borden and Mark Borys also explored the idea of impermanence with a chiaroscuro treatment, painting walls, and ceiling in Sherwin Williams Greenblack, then embellishing them with faux architectural details in white chalk.
THE STUDY ROYALE by Lorna Gross Interior Design
[metaslider id=35090]The designer’s dramatic redo balanced existing dark, heavy bookshelves by painting the formerly white window casements a mocha shade. In addition to a built-in desk (see the photo online), an elegant seating area featuring vintage Sgabello chairs, a custom sofa, and armchairs covered in blue velvet proved that an office need not be sterile to spark creativity and thought. Bold paintings in a cool blue palette fostered contemplation.
POOLSIDE OASIS by Country Casual Teak
[metaslider id=35096]Designed for carefree days in the sun, Kimberly Asner’s plan provided comfortable seating on Country Casual Teak’s Hudson Lounge Chairs and outdoor Square Poufs. A cabana featuring crisp white privacy curtains evoked a resort feel. Pots of greenery from American Plant and striped outdoor rugs completed the al fresco perch.
THE HIVE FAMILY FOYER by Studio Artistica
[metaslider id=35101]This colorful, back-entry gallery, decked out with works of art rendered by patients of Children’s National Health System, served as a reminder of the DC Design House’s worthy beneficiary. Artist Lisa Tureson, whose fine art and decorative-painting graced many of the rooms in the 2017 show house, collaborated with the hospital’s art therapy program to mentor these youngsters and bring their creations—all depicting the world of bumblebees—to life.
OUTSIDE ENTRY by Clinton & Associates
[metaslider id=35108]Seeking to soften the feel of the imposing front stairs, Lauren Fisher-Nagia tapped into the home’s French Chateau style with a series of orangerie boxes holding forest pansy redbud and hibiscus trees that lent vertical scale. Modern seating by Dedon, framed by stately Campania pots full of seasonal plants in varied colors and textures, added a further welcome note.
TRAVELER’S RETREAT by Interiors of Washington
[metaslider id=35113]Tailored to suit a couple of discerning globetrotters, designer Karen Snyder’s oasis of calm spoke to a collected sensibility focusing on the artisanal and the authentic. The Niermann Weeks chandelier was forged by hand; the ottomans of Snyder’s design were covered in a luxurious cashmere-and-wool blend. The Beacon Hill linen drapes in an African-print motif displayed cotton embroidery to sumptuous effect.
UPSTAIRS FAMILY ROOM by Erica Burns Interiors, Inc.
[metaslider id=35118]Large-scale pressed botanicals sourced in North Carolina lent a touch of outdoor exotica to this stylish and relaxed sitting room—designed as a TV-free zone. A J. Redmond sectional in Manuel Canovas fabric could have cosseted a whole family for a cozy night of board games. A neutral, woven wall covering by Cowtan & Tout reinforced the room’s soothing palette.
GUEST BEDROOM Caryn Cramer, LLC
[metaslider id=35123]An ode to color, the guest room heralded the arrival of fall. Cramer took inspiration from the Canyon colorway in her own textile collection, covering the walls and some of the furniture with fabrics of her own design. The layering of natural textures and materials continued with Moroccan rugs overlapping on the floor while hand-hewn wooden beds with Greek mattresses created a warm, whimsical reverie.
MASTER BEDROOM by Interiors by Design, LLC
[metaslider id=35129]Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas went glam in her overhaul of the master bedroom—previously painted peach with a pale-green ceiling and white coffers. Her update bathed the space in soothing pewter and gray, with a metallic finish on the ceiling. This palette created the ideal backdrop for an upholstered bedstead and a striking Currey & Co. chandelier. Refined details, such as a beaded Vahallan wall covering, set a luxurious tone.
LUSH LAUNDRY ROOM by Paula Grace Designs, Inc.
[metaslider id=35134]It’s easy to overlook the drudgery of doing the wash in the midst of a marble-tile backsplash and brass cabinet pulls embellished with Swarovski crystals. Paula Grace Halewski even made space for a dog bed, fashioned by Rockville Interiors in Kravet fabric. An improved lighting plan brightened the once-dreary spot.
LE BOUDOIR by Romain Baty, LLC
[metaslider id=35140]While the word “curated” is way overused, it’s an apt description of how carefully Baty selected every object in the boudoir, from the au courant Doris Leslie Blau rug to the 1789 portrait by Thomas Hasting. “I ask what kind of emotion a piece brings to the person who’s going to look at it,” Baty reflects. Also, a study in contrasts—black and white, new and old, classic and modern—the room suspends every day and thereby encourages repose.
MODERN PROFESSIONAL’S STYLISH RETREAT by Anthony Wilder Design/Build
[metaslider id=35147]From the ceiling painted Sherwin Williams Watery to the faux-cork Thibaut wallpaper and Romo window panels, tranquil blues set a calm tone in this inner sanctum designed for a busy marketing guru. With colorful throw pillows and fabrics on the sculptural canopy bed cavorting with a lavender Lee Industries settee on the opposite wall, designers Keira St. Claire-Bowery and Dana Schwartz forged a perfect interplay of fun and Zen.
Click here for DC Design House Resources.
Just two years after completing his state-of-the-art Poliform | sagartstudio showroom in the former Washington Design Center, principal Vincent Sagart had no choice but to relinquish it all when the building was sold to make way for the Museum of the Bible.
The experience drove the designer to pursue an even more ambitious business model: He and wife/partner Helena Sagart decided to purchase an 1892 Georgetown row house and transform it into Poliform Home, an experiential showroom with an authentic residential setting.
Little did they know, the process would take two-and-a-half years and require far more than a cosmetic makeover. In addition to shoddy updates and leaks, they discovered the house—which has always combined a storefront on the ground level with a residence above—suffered a major fire in 1896. “It was practically condemned by our structural engineer,” Vincent laments.
After gutting the interiors, the Sagarts and their team, with help from Cunningham | Quill Architects, transformed the historical, four-story building into a thoroughly modern, eco-friendly smart home. Today, it’s a living, breathing showplace integrating an array of European products represented by sagartstudio—from Poliform and Varenna cabinetry to lighting by Deltalight, Brokis, and Moooi; bath fixtures by Agape; and furniture by Riva 1920, Poliform and Porada. It’s also the first showroom in the U.S. controlled by sleek, new Basalte touch-sensitive switches, installed by AHT Global.
“It was always my dream to create a home in European style using the newest, most efficient products,” says Vincent, a native of Czechoslovakia. “This house shows that you can live comfortably in much less space than you think.” 2611 P Street, NW; poliformdc.com
The Ranch at Rock Creek near Phillipsburg, Montana, dares intrepid guests to ply powdery slopes at nearby Discovery Ski Area, explore its 6,600 pristine acres on horseback, then cozy up by a toasty campfire. Indoors, luxury awaits in a pampering spa, the Silver Dollar Saloon, and the property’s well-appointed guest rooms and cabins. All-inclusive rates start at $900 per person; packages are available. theranchatrockcreek.com. Photos courtesy of the Ranch at Rock Creek.
Known for their iconic red-carpet fashions, Mark Badgley and James Mischka launched Badgley Mischka Home last year. This new furniture-and-accessories line embodies the brand’s signature Hollywood look, with pieces handcrafted and gilded like finely detailed couture. Pictured above: Badgley Mischka Home furnishings shared the runway with the company’s eye-catching apparel during a 2017 New York Fashion Week show. badgleymischkahome.com
Top-Down Approach
Aspiring motorsports enthusiasts might want to give Porsche’s 2018 911 Carrera 4 GTS a spin. The all-wheel-drive roadster packs a twin turbo, flat-six engine with the seven-speed transmission that musters 450 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. A standard electronics package delivers navigation and traffic data, while a smartphone app based on pro-technology reports and records data should drivers venture onto a racetrack. $139,900. porsche.com
Taming the Elements
Never have skiers and snowboarders been better equipped with electronics and gadgets to maximize comfort and enjoyment on the slopes. The coolest options we spotted recently are: Abom Heet goggles with two-part lenses that heat to evaporate fog ($279; abom.com); the Auric Cut Communication helmet with an integrated headset that includes speakers and mic for listening to music and communicating ($270; pocsports.com); and Heatwave+ Ascent gloves, featuring a reflective layer that radiates heat to keep hands warm in the coldest conditions ($110; seirus.com).
Keeping organized and minimizing clutter can be an ongoing battle. Acknowledging they can’t go it alone, many homeowners turn to a designer, architect or organization expert to create order out of chaos. From closets and home offices to pantries and mudrooms, the built-in solutions these pros provide accommodate their clients’ belongings while adding aesthetic appeal.
Planning the perfect storage unit often requires thinking outside the box. “We look at normally unused spaces for additional storage and functionality,” says Greg Wiedemann of Wiedemann Architects. “Clients will realize during the framing stage that areas hidden behind walls present opportunities to design a recessed piece of millwork.”
Mary Frazer of Closets by Design agrees that the best solutions are not always the most obvious. “That ‘light-bulb’ moment occurs when we come upon an unexpected idea that works,” she says. “I’ve fit workspaces under stairways and made the oddest-shaped pantry into a more usable space.”
When designing custom millwork, take a careful inventory of the objects it will contain. “It gets down to how many inches are needed for things to maximize [the millwork’s] usefulness,” explains Wiedemann.
Frazer notes that popular trends in the custom-storage design include unobtrusive LED rods and LED-strip lights that brighten shelves and display areas; glass doors to showcase and protect special belongings; and light, textured materials.
However, even the most effective storage system can’t solve poor organizing habits. “Don’t confuse organizing with de-cluttering,” Frazer warns. “It’s important to edit your stuff before designing your solution.”
She adds, “I once heard that for every hour spent organizing, we save three to four hours in looking for something over time. I’m a believer!”
Storage solutions below illustrate some of the possibilities.
Attic Playroom
A rendering shows how designers at California Closets transformed a cluttered, unfinished attic into a cheerful—and organized—playroom where every toy has a home. Their plan combines a workstation and an integrated bench complete with cubbies to accommodate a host of activities. The company’s Lago Bellissima cabinets in a white finish are offset by high-gloss drawer and door fronts in Stone Grey and Parapan Mint. Push-to-open hardware offers ease of use while floating shelves provide extra storage. Design & Images: California Closet Company, Inc., area locations.
Nursery Closet
The parents of a baby girl approached experts at The Container Store to help maximize space and functionality in the nursery’s modest closet. After taking stock of the tot’s current clothing and linen collection as well as items in storage for her future needs, in-house designers created a detailed plan using the company’s modular elfa system. The scheme combined transparent hanging drawers for storage of blankets and sheets plus socks, tights and accessories; a closet rod that displays clothes in easy view; and plenty of shelving, with color-coded boxes and baskets to protect yet-to-be worn items in pristine shape. As the room’s young resident grows up, the elfa system can easily be adapted, evolving with her storage requirements. Design: The Container Store, area locations.
Kitchen
Preserving views of a surrounding meadow was a high priority for the owners of a modern, open-plan home designed by Wiedemann Architects in Leesburg, Virginia. So after installing windows instead of upper cabinets around the perimeter of the kitchen, architect Greg Wiedemann needed to create additional storage to augment base cabinetry. “We came up with the idea of having a built-in incorporated in the center island,” he says. The custom mahogany unit houses a wall oven on the kitchen side; an appliance garage opening onto the island; and—facing the living space—a zone for a computer, a liquor cabinet, and storage for glassware. Says Wiedemann, “This free-standing unit solves multiple storage issues all in one.” Architecture & Millwork Design: Gregory Wiedemann, AIA, Wiedemann Architects, Bethesda, Maryland. Millwork Fabrication: The Master’s Woodshop, Hagerstown, Maryland. Photography: Anice Hoachlander.
Dressing Room
A fashion blogger tapped Closet Factory to transform an unused bedroom in her DC row house into a dressing room that would maximize storage space and convey a stylish, “glam” look. Studying her client’s extensive wardrobe, designer Deborah Broockerd utilized every inch of vertical space from floor to ceiling, creating zones for clothing and accessories. Deep cabinets with mirrored doors house formalwear while flat shelves display 42 pairs of shoes. Boots are hung on vertical rods and handbags and hats stow away on open shelves for easy access. A narrow island with a waterfall granite top contains drawers of various sizes to store lingerie and jewelry, the latter protected in custom velvet trays. Design: Deborah Broockerd, Closet Factory, Tysons Corner, Virginia. Photography: Chicville USA.
Sewing Room
Starting with a cramped and disorganized craft room, Mary Frazer set out to create a highly functional and inviting sewing room for a Warrenton, Virginia, client. Her plan organized the long, narrow area as a workspace on the right side with dual-height installations. A lower L-shaped countertop features a sewing area that accommodates her client’s two high-tech machines and a computer for intricate embroidery synchronization. The higher surface, used for laying out fabrics and pinning patterns, features storage below. The left side is reserved for more storage, along with a wrapping station. Frazer also addressed lighting, wire management, and workspace heights to create optimal ergonomics. Now that the homeowner can easily find the materials she needs, she can focus on work and creativity. Design: Mary Frazer, Closets by Design, Manassas, Virginia. Photography: Bob Narod.
On the Waterfront
James Beard Award-winning chef Fabio Trabocchi and Maria Trabocchi (Fiola, Fiola Mare) have set their sights on Maria’s native Spain at Del Mar, their new venture in District Wharf. Designed by Barcelona-based Lazaro Rosa Violan, the 11,900-square-foot restaurant features millwork, furnishings, and fixtures produced in Spain. Menu highlights include a raw bar, tapas, paella and dorade baked in a salt crust. 791 Wharf Street, SW; 202-525-1402. delmardc.com
Foggy Bottom Debut
Restaurateur Ashok Bajaj (Rasika) recently unveiled a larger version of Bindaas, his Cleveland Park hot spot, in DC’s Foggy Bottom. Like its little sister, the outpost focuses on Indian street fare with a menu by chef Vikram Sunderam including savory chaat, kebabs, curries, and wraps. With custom murals, graffiti and pendants resembling baskets, interiors by Projects Design Associates evoke the outdoor markets and alleyways of India. 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW; 202-516-4326. bindaasdc.com
While on a shoot in her hometown of Oxford, Maryland, last October, photographer Karena Dixon paused to watch the sunset over the Tred Avon Yacht Club, and couldn’t resist capturing the spectacle as an osprey took flight. “This is one of my favorite locations for photos in Talbot County,” she says. “No matter the time of year, you can always count on a gorgeous sunset—and on lucky days, a sailboat race or two.”
Perched on the highest point of Maryland’s Gibson Island, a 1940s ranch-style home offers dazzling views of the Magothy River. Tapped to renovate this vacation retreat, architect Laurie JB Stubb made the water vistas a focal point in her eco-friendly design. Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors in the upper-level sitting room “allow natural light to fill the space and create an indoor-outdoor experience,” she says. Stubb lightened the original red-oak floors with a semi-transparent white stain and installed cable railing “that you can almost see through” on the adjacent ipe deck. As the architect explains, “I wanted the light colors of the paint and floors to evoke a sense of peace and serenity.”
Architecture: Laurie JB Stubb, AIA, place architecture:design, Brooklandville, Maryland. Contractor: Owings Brothers Contracting, Eldersburg, Maryland.
In front of a Craftsman-style house in a leafy McLean neighborhood, a tiny tricycle, a soccer net and intricate chalk drawings on the flagstone walkway are telltale signs that little ones live here. This fact was not lost on designer Kristin Peake, who initially upgraded and furnished this new, five-bedroom home when her clients, then expecting their first son, purchased it from Madison Homes in 2012. Peake revamped some rooms a couple of years later when they welcomed a daughter, and again this year when they had another son.
“This house has been able to evolve every time they’ve had a child,” says the designer. The owners first approached Peake after visiting a friend’s residence that she designed. They loved the scale and open layout of their new home, as well as the flexible office and play spaces located on split levels off a large stairway. But they needed help transforming what was a blank slate into a comfortable retreat that would reflect their lifestyle and aesthetic.
Peake presented them with a plan that would add architectural detail—from larger-scale moldings to built-ins, shiplap, and indoor transoms—throughout the main level as well as upstairs. “The millwork is a beautiful thread that is woven through the whole house,” says Peake. “There’s not a ton of architecture, but enough to really make an impact.”
While they selected furnishings and finishes that are durable enough to withstand the wear and tear that come from one dog and three residents under the age of five, Peake infused the home with sophisticated style so that it shines just as well for a grown-up dinner party as it does for a toddler play date.
“We wanted it to look nice but didn’t want to live in fear, following the kids around with rug cleaner,” jokes the wife.
Peake presented the couple with an easy-going scheme that emphasized linens in neutral palettes, textural rugs and accent pillows delivering dashes of color. As the designer recalls, “She wanted a casual, coastal flavor. He wanted it to be a little more Ralph Lauren. We found a happy compromise.”
A reading room with an inviting sofa and cozy armchairs greet guests to the left of the entrance, in lieu of a formal living room that the couple said they would seldom use. “It’s a great reading space, a great spot to put your feet up,” says the wife. “And as the kids get older, I think we’ll use it even more.”
The facing dining room also serves up some refreshing changes. Chairs are covered in washable slipcovers and a Hickory Chair bench can seat a gang of youngsters at large gatherings. Rather than installing a chandelier, the owners opted for recessed lighting so furniture can be arranged with flexibility. A distressed Lorts table, a Tritter Feefer sideboard that Peake had painted milk-white and an antique mirror strike a tone that, she says, “feels collected, not contrived.”
The entryway leads past the stair hall and into the open family room/kitchen, where the designer’s millwork additions add both aesthetic and functional appeal. Shiplap siding flanks a custom built-in and accents the fireplace in the family room. And a custom banquette paired with a small table creates a corner perch for snack time or a family game. More built-in shelving helps to define the adjacent dining area near the open kitchen and a convenient breakfast bar.
The family room opens to a screened porch, where the residents enjoy meals by an outdoor fireplace. And behind the home, manicured grounds, an upper deck and a ground-level terrace complete with outdoor kitchen and fire pit—all created by McHale Landscape Design—offer al fresco fun for all ages.
Indoor play spaces abound on the lower level, which features an art room, a built-in “village” Peake designed for make-believe games, a home theater, and a gym. She recently completed a new guest room on this floor, since the original upstairs guest quarters made way for the new baby’s nursery.
Custom touches embellish all four upper-level bedrooms. Each kid’s room boasts a window seat and a personalized decorative-paint treatment—including a magnetic wall depicting a world map in the oldest son’s room, so he can track his father’s frequent business trips.
As an antidote to the parents’ busy schedules, Peake created an oasis of calm in the master suite, which features a sitting room and kitchenette. “He’s always traveling and always connected,” she remarks. “So they wanted their bedroom to be a haven where they can disconnect from the world.”
The couple is thrilled with how their residence has evolved. As the wife reflects, “Kristin took a great frame from the builder and turned it into a place that feels like us. It’s very versatile and can go lots of ways. Now, it really feels like home.”
Interior Design: Kristin Peake, Kristin Peake Interiors, Rockville, Maryland. Landscape Design: McHale Landscape Design, Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
RESOURCES
THROUGHOUT Renovation Millwork Fabrication: Randy Flemming with Nantucket Homes. Rugs: thefloorgallery.com.
Reading Room Sofa, Sofa Fabric & Main Pillow Fabric: drexel-furniture.com. Side Chairs & Fabric: lillianaugust.com. Pillow Trim: kravet.com. Coffee Table & Round Table: noirfurniturela.com. Floor Lamp: visualcomfort.com.
DINING ROOM Table: lorts.com. Chairs: caracole.com. Custom Cuff on Chairs: Antonio Martinez Upholstery; 301-770-3939. Sideboard: tritterfeefer.com. Mirror: Antique. Lamps: visualcomfort.com. Window Shades: gretcheneverett.com. Custom Bench & Fabric: hickorychair.com. emilune & Mirror: lillianaugust.com. Pouf: vanguard.com. HALL Demilune & Mirror: lillianaugust.com. Pouf: vanguard.com.
FAMILY ROOM Sofa & Fabric: hickorychair.com. Coffee Table & Round Table: classichome.com. Storage Stools: tlsbydesign.com. Stool Fabric: kravet.com. Armchair & Ottoman: lillianaugust.com. Armchair & Ottoman fabric: fabricut.com. Window Treatments: gretcheneverett.com. Straight Lamp & Curved Lamp: curreycodealers.com. Banquette: stanfordfurniture.com. Banquette Fabric: sunbrella.com. Pendant: visualcomfort.com.
KITCHEN/BREAKFAST AREA Table: curationslimited.com. Bench: hickorychair.com. Bench Fabric: janusetcie.com. Chairs: drexel-furniture.com. Window Shades: gretcheneverett.com. Stools: hickorychair.com. Stool Fabric: janusetcie.com. Custom Cabinet Finish: swatchroom.com. Countertops: caesarstoneus.com. Backsplash: walkerzanger.com.
SCREENED PORCH All Furniture & Fabrics: janusetcie.com.
MASTER BEDROOM Bed, Armchair & Armchair Fabric: hickorychair.com. Lamps: barbaracosgrovelamps.com. Sectional & Fabric: drexel-furniture.com. Floor Lamp: visualcomfort.com. Ottoman: bellacor.com. Master Bath Vanity & Mirror: rh.com. Sconces: reginaandrew.com.
The political intrigue that fuels Netflix’s “House of Cards” bears an uncanny resemblance to today’s reality in Washington. “People must think the writers have a crystal ball. Since we film well in advance, it’s amazing how on point they’ve been throughout the seasons,” says the show’s set decorator, Tiffany Zappulla.
Also on point: the sets Zappulla and her team craft for this Emmy Award-winning drama.
On a recent tour sponsored by the Washington chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, Zappulla offered a behind-the-scenes look at how the series’ dystopian world takes shape. When they’re not shooting on location around Baltimore, the 200-plus cast and crew members work 12- to 14-hour days on production and filming in cavernous warehouses north of the city. In the set decoration warehouse, antiques, lamps, mirrors, and props cram floor-to-ceiling shelves. Upholsterers, carpenters and seamstresses fashion sofas, chairs and draperies in open work areas. Reproductions of original artwork, hand-painted by scenic artists, hang in waiting for their moment on screen.
Behind a bare dividing wall, a labyrinth of spaces including the Situation Room, the Press Briefing Room, the Roosevelt Room and the Oval Office were primed for Season Six, which would begin filming in October.
“House of Cards” revolves around the roguery of President Francis Underwood and First Lady Claire Underwood (Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright), both driven to dominate Washington at any cost. They hide their scandalous ways behind a polished veneer of respectability—and tastefully conservative interiors that convey both power and restraint. “By the time Francis and Claire got to the White House, they were both pretty nefarious,” says Zappulla. "It was about de-saturating the colors and showing their dark sides.”
She and her staff base their work on painstaking online research and intelligence gathered on tours of the actual White House. “We are slaves to detail and meticulous about keeping the proportions correct,” says Zappulla, who has also designed sets for HBO’s “Veep.”
After “dressing” space, she photographs it to assess how well it reflects her subjects. “The sets are a very important supporting actor,” she explains. “You can create a beautiful space, but if it doesn’t make sense for the character, you’ve missed the target.
“There’s never anything in these rooms that are filler,” Zappulla adds. “It’s all very thought-out.” For instance, in a nod to Francis Underwood’s Southern heritage and affinity for the Civil War, his Oval Office displays miniature cannons, pineapple motifs and tobacco jars from his home state of South Carolina.
Channeling Claire’s character, Zappulla landed on birds, which grace the First Lady’s boudoir. “Birds look so delicate,” she reasons, “but they can fly. That’s Claire.”
A vast amount of what’s seen on set is produced by the show’s own artisans. Their creations range from upholstered sofas and 24-foot-long conference tables to sculpted busts, acanthus leaf and rosette moldings, faux-marble floors and “brass” torchieres. There’s even a working cooktop in the White House kitchen fabricated for a scene that called for Claire to fry an egg in full camera view.
What they can’t make Zappulla purchases on frequent shopping sprees around DC and Baltimore. “We take a lot of pride in this being a Maryland-based show and do as much as we can to purchase here,” says the Baltimore native. “When we’re filming, I inject close to $60,000 into the Maryland economy every 10 days.”
The decreased demand for antiques, also known as “brown furniture,” has been a plus for the show. “We’re so fortunate to be in this area and have benefitted quite a bit from that shift in design taste,” Zappulla says. Her go-to emporiums include Cornerstone and Clearing House, Ltd., near Baltimore and Goldsborough Glynn in Kensington.
Given the sinister plot twists on “House of Cards,” the designer benefits from another decorating trend: the rise of all things gray. “That palette is so popular now,” says Zappulla. “I have beautiful options at my disposal.”
She also frequents the Washington Design Center, where she recently splurged on Scalamandré fabric for a couple of entry-hall chairs. “The [real] White House is full of Scalamandré fabric, but my budget is not full of Scalamandré,” she laments. “But I’m a purist and had to be able to say we have Scalamandré in our White House too.”
Zappulla acknowledges that her department is one of many focused on nailing every “House of Cards” scene. “It takes the right lighting, the cameraman, everyone working in unison, to create what you see on TV and hopefully what you enjoy.”
Ultimately, the goal is to blur the lines between truth and fiction. “We want the audience to believe the cast is sitting on Air Force One or in the Oval Office,” Zappulla says. “If it starts to look like a set, then we haven’t done our job.”
With its emphasis on the nuclear family, the U.S. housing market falls short meeting the needs of today’s rising populations who are living with roommates or extended family members or aging in place. “Making Room: Housing for a Changing America,” an exhibit at the National Building Museum, explores alternatives to conventional housing models. For example, on view is a 1,000-square-foot “home” by Italian architect Pierluigi Colombo that contains movable walls and multi-functional furnishings from Resource Furniture.
The exhibit also spotlights successful housing paradigms from around the globe, including WeLive micro-apartments in Crystal City, complete with communal kitchens, and Arizona’s Las Abuelitas rental units, where patios and play spaces were designed for grandparents sharing childcare duties. On view from November 18 to September 16, 2018. nbm.org
Origami Wallpaper Though it’s completely flat, Graham & Brown’s digitally printed Origami Wallpaper creates a sculptural, 3-D effect, whether applied on an accent wall or throughout an entire room. $75 per roll. grahambrown.com
Origami Paper Lamps Gold Leaf Design Group's Origami Paper Lamps fill interiors with glowing light and prismatic forms. They range from 13.5 to 20 inches tall. A 7W LED chandelier bulb is recommended; wall arms and floor stands are available. $75; goldleafdesigngroup.com
Origami Table Lamp Designed by François Champsaur for Holly Hunt, the Origami Table Lamp makes an angular statement in a study or living space.
It’s 14 inches high and comes in Lacquered Steel, Raw Brushed Copper and Raw Brushed Brass. To the trade; hollyhunt.com
Apotema rug With a name that translates to “apothem” in Italian, the Apotema rug reflects mathematical precision with its cascade of interlocking triangles made from alternating cotton and chenille yarns. It was designed by Michele Menescardi for Calligaris in two striking palettes: warm yellows and cool blues. $1,035. calligaris.us
Clint table Mario Mazzer’s modern Clint table for Alma Design marries a thick slab of wood with an angular steel base, bent and molded like a piece of origami. Available in multiple finishes and measuring from 55-inches-square to 78-by-39 inches in size. $3,400. alma-design.it/en
Crease Zoffany's Crease fabric evokes folds of origami by juxtaposing matte and shiny yarns. This subtle texture plays up four dreamy colorways, including Taupe. Available to the trade through stylelibrary.com or in DC at hinescompany.com.
PERFECT SWING
Designed for precision and consistency, PXG’s 0311 milled wedges (inset) feature intricate performance-enhancing details. The new carbon-steel body works against wear-and-tear while an improved milling process incorporates deeper and more precise grooves—an ideal set-up for the perfect shot. Clubs are available in four styles and Chrome or Xtreme Dark finishes. From $650. pxg.com
ONE TOUCH
Bang & Olufsen’s BeoSound 2 wireless speaker delivers powerful, 360-degree sound and integrates with Bluetooth and all major streaming services. Via simple taps and twists, users control the sculptural aluminum device, which is part of the company’s Multiroom Technology system. $1,995. bang-olufsen.com
SPEED DEMON
The 2018 Lexus LC performance coupe combines the brand’s latest automotive technology with flowing lines and sporty style. Models include the LC 500, featuring a high-performance V8 engine, and the LC 500h, with a Multi-Stage Hybrid powertrain. The cockpit employs cutting-edge audio, navigation and connectivity capabilities as well as a 12-speaker Pioneer surround-sound system. Pricetags: $92,000 for the V8 and $96,510 for the hybrid. lexus.com
Cecilia Zanetta and daughter Veronica Franzese combined their love of fashion and design by founding handbag brand Maria Castelli in 2014. The architects, who trace their roots to Buenos Aires and are now based in New York, recently released a 2017 Fall/Winter collection aimed at chic urbanites. Among the new bags to covet: the 12-inch-wide Byrant Backpack, crafted in New York from Italian leather and Toscana lambskin. $560; mariacastelli.com
NEW ENGLAND STYLE
The Salt Line on DC’s Capitol Riverfront shines a light on seafood caught within a 100-mile radius of the restaurant. Chef Kyle Bailey’s menu offers classic New England fried clam bellies, coddies and stuffies, as well as innovations like swordfish mortadella, seafood sausages and crudos. Interiors by Grizform Design Architects blend rustic boathouse style with custom mid-century light fixtures and handmade tile work. 79 Potomac Avenue, SE; 202-506-2368. thesaltline.com
CHARM CITY REVIVAL
Tapping into Baltimore’s industrial-era pub culture, Rye Street Tavern has opened next to Sagamore Spirit Distillery in Charm City’s Port Covington neighborhood. Its menu spotlights seasonal local fare, from Wood-Fired Seafood Bakes to Bloody Mary Blue Crab Salad. Patrick Sutton designed the interiors, featuring rich leather, wood, concrete-and-steel accents and a fireplace. Upstairs, a glass-enclosed wine room awaits. 13 Rye Street; 443-662-8000. ryestreettavern.com
